I would argue that the city is already on a stable path toward the future. Can it be better? Absolutely. But Greensboro is certainly not in some kind of serious decline. Much of the struggles Greensboro has been experiencing over the last 10 years are not unlike what cities all over the country have been experiencing. Honda Jet, Mack Trucks, FedEx, RF Micro, Lenovo, Replacements LTD, VF Corp, Lincoln Financial, Lorillard, Proctor & Gamble, Syngenta, Volvo, etc.... would not be here if it was such a bad place.
I don't recall anyone on here waving pom-poms over subdivisions and shopping centers. I believe we were talking about an office tower in downtown Greesboro. That certainly should be urban enough, but yet that is criticized for being some never-going-to-happen in this decade, pie-in-the-sky dream.
Well there is your problem right there... Too many people judge Greensboro based on what they see from the interstate. One could say the same thing if they rode down Interstate 40 in W-S passing by suburban shopping centers, but we know W-S as so much more than that. The truth is we live in a mostly democratic, capitalistic country. There are laws in place which attempt to govern growth however they fortunately are not so strict owners of property are completely restricted by what they can do with their land. Many people will argue the laws are too strict and people are sacrificing their liberties by being told what they can and cant do now. The point is, and this could certainly go into a lenghty discussion, mananging growth patterns and types of development is not as easy as some want to think. The market mostly determines the types of development we see and where. Yes, planning departments and city councils try to manipulate it but if they try to dictate it there will be a high cost to pay in loss of liberties and strangling of growth. Idealism works both ways. Those who focus on the good things that are happening--although not perfect, and those who are caught up in a utopian world of idealized urbanity which will likely never happen. Either way people are focusing on some ideal. Personally if I'm going to be guilty of something, I would rather be guilty of being too positive and optimistic. I find it much healthier and makes me happier. But it is good to hear the negatives, so I do not mean everyone should be positive. Just, it is good for there to be a balance between the glass half full and glass half empty folks. On my part I try to offer up opportunistic arguments.
Greensboro downtown is small compared to some other cities, however the urban core of the city is much larger than many realize. There are many old sections of town which surround the city center which feature beautiful, old homes, sidewalks, parks and yes businesses. Many people do work near the airport. It is a great area for businesses. Being close to the airport you certainly do not want a bunch of houses out there. But there are also many, many people who work in other parts of the city. I work in I.T. and have held two separate jobs in office buildings that were neither downtown nor anywhere near the airport. There are business and employment centers all over town.
On a side note, here is a little business news which may or may not have been lifted up. Nothing major but just a little example that good things do happen in greensboro: Greensboro manufacturing plant expands. What is interesting to me about this is this is a manufacturing company developing 21st century technology. Maybe an up and comer?...
I believe Greensboro and the Triad can target logistics and distribution companies while still seeing growth in other sectors of business. I think growth in one sector has positive impacts on other sectors. I do not believe its a one thing investment. Leaders can continue to go after companies in all sectors whether they call themselves an aerotropolis or not. There are leaders who are wanting to market the areas strength in that area, but I do not think that precludes going after other sectors as they have always done.
